HHS leaders said that faith and community leaders are vital to provide comfort and support right now.

In a statement, the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at HHS acknowledged "these leaders have the unique ability to address potential concerns, fears, and anxieties regarding COVID-19."

It has published a list of resources ranging from prevention and treatment of the virus to how to build community when meeting physically isn't possible.

The center is encouraging churches to consider four tips to plan for the duration of the pandemic.

The first priority, says HHS, is developing a way to stay connected. It encourages churches to update contact lists and pay special attention to the vulnerable—the elderly or those living alone. The plan includes communicating the plan and preparing for small and large groups to meet virtually.

The second priority is keeping people safe. This includes those in the congregation and on staff. HHS says churches should develop safety measures for those who clean their facilities.

They should prepare to help those in the congregation who live alone or face isolation or quarantine. They should also prepare for leadership coverage if staff become ill.

HHS says basic operational matters should be the third priority. These can be very tangible considerations like reviewing the financial needs of staff and allowing telework accommodations to keep them on the payroll. Another consideration is the upkeep and sanitization of food pantries.

Its fourth tip for churches is to partner with other community leaders to care for people. That could include helping students who depend on school meals, offering technological help to other entities trying to stay connected, and working with local health leaders to distribute the latest information on COVID-19. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

HHS is also answering the most frequently asked questions from churches. They include:

• What are the signs and symptomsof COVID-19?
• Should wecancel our event
• What should we do if someone at a community gathering says they feel sick?

CLICK HERE for More HHS Tips for Faith-Based Leaders on Best Practices to Handle the Coronavirus

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Donnie Wahlberg: 'The Most Important Thing I Ever Did Was to Give My Life to Christ'

'Fourth of July Miracle': Missing 4-Year-Old Found Alive after Walking Nearly Five Miles Along Oregon Coast

Christian Hollywood Star Exposes the Perverse, 'Demonic' Fraud Inside Foster Care System

Brazilian Judge Sentences Parents to Prison for Homeschooling Their Daughters

Little Sisters of the Poor Return to Court Again over Obama Contraception Mandate

WATCH: State Fails to Investigate Daycares with No Children Despite Media Reports

Trump on Iran Ceasefire, MoU: 'I Think It's Over'—US Retaliates after IRGC Attacks Civilian Ships

'Young Washington' Delivers Record Opening Weekend for Angel Studios

After an Emotional Loss to Belgium, the US Men's Team Continued to Give God the Glory

A 'Miracle': CCP Releases Pastor Ezra Jin

House Speaker Johnson Braces for a High-Stakes July with Everything on the Line

Why the NATO Summit in Ankara Matters to the US

New Report Details Secret Service Failures in Butler Assassination Attempt

Charlie Kirk's Family Faces Accused Killer Tyler Robinson for the First Time as Murder Case Moves Forward

'The Passion of the Christ' Getting Theatrical Re-Release Ahead of Highly Anticipated Sequel

A Sweet Update on That Oregon Couple Who Stepped Up at the Great American State Fair

The World Lights Up for America's 250th, While the American Left Opts to Whine About It

The America 250 Celebration in DC Was One for the History Books (Videos)

Must Watch: Katharine Birbalsingh's Fiery ARC Speech-How Schools Are Destroying the Moral Core of the West (Video)

DHS Condemns Minnesota Pardon of Convicted Child Rapist